Kuching, Sarawak, 6th November 2026 – Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) marked another significant milestone in its efforts to translate traditional knowledge and biodiversity research into sustainable economic opportunities with the renewal of the LitSara® Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA), held in conjunction with its Annual Dinner 2026 at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching.
The event, officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, also marked the conclusion of the five-year TERAJU Project, which supported community participation in the sustainable production and commercialisation of LitSara® essential oil.
The renewed BSA was signed by the Sarawak Biodiversity Council and representatives of six indigenous communities:
Kelabit communities
- Pa’ Lungan, Bario
- Pa’ Ukat, Bario
Lun Bawang communities
- Long Kerebangan, Lawas
- Long Telingan, Lawas
- Long Rusu, Ba’ Kelalan
Bidayuh community
- Kampung Kiding, Padawan
The LitSara® journey began in 2005 with the documentation of traditional knowledge shared by indigenous communities. Following years of scientific research and development, the initiative culminated in the signing of Malaysia’s first Benefit Sharing Agreement in 2019, initially involving five communities. The partnership subsequently expanded in 2022 to include the Lun Bawang community of Long Rusu, Ba’ Kelalan.
In his welcoming remarks, Acting Deputy State Secretary for Economic Planning and Development, and the Chairman of the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, YBhg Datu Ir. Ts. Awang Mohammad Fadillah Bin Awang Redzuan, highlighted that the renewal reflected the continued trust and cooperation between SBC and the participating communities, as well as their shared commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent partnership. He emphasised that the significance of LitSara® extended beyond commercial development to encompass community capacity building, sustainable livelihoods and the recognition of traditional knowledge holders.
For the first time, the Sarawak Biodiversity Council also presented certificates of recognition to three commercial partners that have incorporated LitSara® into their products, acknowledging their contributions to the Benefit Sharing Agreement.
In his officiating speech, Dato Sri Roland Sagah emphasised that Sarawak’s biodiversity resources must be developed in ways that create meaningful economic opportunities, particularly for the communities whose traditional knowledge contributes to their development. He acknowledged SBC's role in demonstrating the practical implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), which has positioned Sarawak as an important reference point at both regional and international levels.
Since the signing of the first agreement in 2019, the participating communities have supplied more than 2,000 litres of LitSara® essential oil, with monetary benefits amounting to approximately RM2.35 million distributed between 2019 and 2026. More than RM1 million in non-monetary benefits have also been provided through infrastructure development, distillation facilities and capacity-building programmes. These efforts have strengthened community participation in sustainable harvesting, cultivation, essential oil production and the wider LitSara® value chain.
The event also marked the conclusion of the TERAJU Project, implemented from September 2021 to September 2026 in Long Telingan, Lawas, Long Rusu, Ba’ Kelalan, and Kampung Kiding, Padawan. Over the five-year period, the project supported community livelihoods by strengthening their participation in the sustainable production and commercialisation of LitSara® essential oil.
A significant highlight of the closing ceremony was the symbolic handover of project facilities and assets to the participating communities, marking their transition towards greater ownership and responsibility for the initiatives established under the project. The handover reflects the importance of ensuring that the knowledge, infrastructure and capabilities developed throughout the project continue to provide lasting economic benefits beyond its completion.
The evening also featured the official unveiling of three new products developed from LitSara® essential oil: the LitSara® Moisturising Stick, LitSara® Blended Essential Oils and LitSara® Relaxing & Sleep Mist. The introduction of these products represents a further step in SBC's efforts to expand the applications of LitSara® beyond essential oil production and explore new opportunities in downstream product development. It also demonstrates how research into Sarawak's biological resources can support the creation of value-added products with greater commercial potential.
The renewal of the LitSara® BSA and the conclusion of the TERAJU Project reaffirm SBC’s commitment to responsible biodiversity utilisation, where scientific advancement and commercial development are pursued alongside equitable benefit sharing, sustainable economic opportunities and greater community ownership. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how long-term partnerships between research institutions, government agencies and indigenous communities can translate Sarawak’s biodiversity into meaning and lasting benefits.
